IN THE NEWS

32 ACRES, THE AVIS P. SMART WOODS, DONATED IN GILFORD

April 2006

MEREDITH - The Lakes Region Conservation Trust is proud to announce that Avis and William Smart of Gilford have donated more than 32 acres of land to the LRCT. The property is located on Watson Hill Road and Morrill Street in the Gilford Historic District and has been named the Avis P. Smart Woods. It will be maintained in perpetuity by the LRCT for conservation purposes for the benefit and enjoyment of future generations.

The Avis P. Smart Woods is entirely forestland, which provides excellent habitat for wildlife. The forest is comprised of white pine, hemlock, American elm, and other hardwoods, including a magnificent stand of sugar maples which have been tapped for approximately 150 years. 

Mr. and Mrs. Smart noted that the town and the region are experiencing much growth and that there has been an increase in development in the area near their property. There was a strong consensus in their family that protecting this land was the right thing to do. Mrs. Smart says she didn't want to see this property developed, and their four children were very supportive of protecting the land as well.

"This is an extraordinarily generous gift from the Smart family, and is greatly appreciated by the Trust," said LRCT President Tom Curren.

The land has been in Mrs. Smart's family for more than 70 years, when her aunt and uncle bought what was then a farm. The property has always been a family gathering place, and Mrs. Smart has many pleasant memories of time spent on the property in her youth.

"The commitment of families such as the Smarts to their town and to the Lakes Region makes a major contribution to preserving the natural and historic heritage of the Region," LRCT President Tom Curren added.

The Lakes Region Conservation Trust protects more than 17,000 acres of shore frontage, islands, forests, and mountaintops in the Lakes Region, helping to preserve the unique character of the region, provide wildlife habitat and recreational opportunities, and teach the benefits of conservation to our children and grandchildren. The Trust is currently working with local landowners on a total of more than 6,000 acres of additional conservation property in the region.

For additional information about the Lakes Region Conservation Trust and its land protection activities, please visit www.lrct.org or call (603)253-3301.